WE GATHER TO WORSHIP Greeting One: The Lord is risen! All: He is risen indeed! Alleluia! One: Let us prepare for worship.
Kirsten Homdrom
Preparation for Worship Lord of life, submitting to death, you conquered the grave. By being lifted on a cross, you draw all peoples to you. By being raised from the dead, you restore to humanity all that we had lost through sin. Throughout these fifty days of Easter, we proclaim the marvelous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen.
Prelude - Meditation on EASTER HYMN
Michael Bedford (b. 1949)
Christian Welcome and Announcements (8:15 & 11:00) Tracey Daniel; (9:30) Gloria Johnson Please pass the Friendship Register to your neighbor; include all requested information.
Call to Worship from Psalms 1 and 4 One: Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the Lord, for they are like trees planted by streams. In all they do, they prosper. All: The Lord has set apart the faithful. The Lord hears when we call upon the name of God. One: It is God who puts gladness in our hearts—gladness which lets us sleep in peace. All: In our sleeping and in our rising, may we have peace of mind and safety. May we rest in the arms of the God of grace. One: Friends old and friends new, may we worship and witness to the God who gives peace, law and grace. *Hymn 234 - Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ST. KEVIN
*Call to Confession *Prayer of Confession God of resurrection and inspiration, hear our prayer of confession. Your son, Jesus, who was raised from the dead has called us to be witnesses. Often we witness to very little. We are unsure of the costs of giving witness, and we do not try. Or, when we try, we are unsure of the technique and our efforts stop short of your call. We want to be friendly and not pushy; open-hearted and not closed off. We become afraid that our witness will be misunderstood, misappropriated, or will not bear fruit. Our excuses outnumber our desires. Help us today and everyday to share your word, say your name, and give witness to the transforming grace of Jesus Christ, our Easter Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen. *Declaration of Good News *Passing of the Peace
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held today following the 11:00 a.m. worship service in the sanctuary. The Annual Report for 2017 will be distributed. Items of business include: Presentation of the annual report, including 2017 budget actuals and the 2018 budget review; hearing and acting on the report from the Churchwide Nominating Committee nominating the class of ruling elders and deacons for the class of 2021, and related business; hearing and acting on a report from the Personnel Committee and the Session on changes in the Terms of Call for the pastoral staff; and the Annual Meeting of the Corporation. We often call ourselves to worship with the words of the Psalms. The Reformer Martin Luther said of the Psalms that they were like a gospel unto themselves. As they were the ancient worship songs of our Hebrew cousins, beginning with a selection from the Psalms is a faithful way to declare our purpose on any given Lord’s day. What does it mean to "give witness?” Have you ever been called to be a witness in a formal or informal setting? Was it a good or bad experience? Our confession tells the truth about us: we are called to witness to God’s graciousness and truth and we sadly choose to be silent.
During the season of Lent, many churches refrain from saying or singing the word “Alleluia.” Eastertide is a time to rejoice and use “Alleluia” in abundance!
*Response Hymn 239- stanza 1 Good Christians all, rejoice and sing! Now is the triumph of our King! To all the world glad news we bring: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
GELOBT SEI GOTT
WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD Sacrament of Baptism (8:15) Clara Boren Campbell and Andrew Albertson Campbell, children of Peggy and Patrick Campbell (11:00) Derby Kathryn Davis, child of Eleanor Scott and Hill Davis Riley Hale Lindsley, child of Brad and Audra Lindsley This sermon begins a “mini-series” on the book of Acts which will carry us through the next several weeks. Acts is about the witness of the church in its earliest days. Acts also sets in motion much of the way we understand church, the Holy Spirit, and the purpose of the people of God united in worship, service, and prayer. This relatively new hymn uses a beautiful melody and evokes gorgeous images. It tells “resurrection stories” about light in darkness and life where there has been death. What “resurrection stories” do you know?
Epistle Lesson - 1 John 3:1-7
pew Bible, p. 225
New Testament Lesson - Acts 1:6-11
pew Bible, p. 110
(11:00) A Time with the Younger Church Following our time together, four-year-olds through first graders will meet Elizabeth Britt at the door near the baptismal font, to be joined by Diane Britt from the OnPoint service, for Worship Enrichment in L215.
Sermon - Witnesses
Christopher Edmonston
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD *Hymn 250 - In the Bulb There Is a Flower
PROMISE
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer Gloria Johnson Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Presentation of Tithes and Offerings Offertory Anthem - Alleluia
Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672)
Alleluia!
*Doxology with Alleluias Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Our affirmation today is now 35 years old. Presbyterians are part of the Reformed Church which places the affirmation of faith in a central role in worship. Our affirmation today affirms our Easter faith as it reaches a crescendo in its final lines.
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
*Affirmation of Faith from A Declaration of Faith In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted,
*All who are able may stand.
(continued)
eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME *Hymn 462 - I Love to Tell the Story
HANKEY
(11:00) Annual Meeting of the Congregation
This wonderful old hymn is about the joy which comes when we tell others about how Jesus Christ has shaped and changed our lives.
*Charge and Benediction *(8:15 & 9:30) Closing Response Hymn 587 Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
CELTIC ALLELUIA
Chiming of the Trinity The worship service ends with the Chiming of the Trinity. Please be mindful of those who remain to listen to the postlude.
Postlude - Toccata on LLANFAIR
Rebecca Groom Te Velde (b. 1956) ***
Greeters: 9:30 - Blair Schrum, Heather Garrabrant, Carol Holt, Dana Hunt, Sid Hunt, Christian Fellowship Class, Senior High Class; 11:00 - Blair Schrum, Jan Ross, Linda Robinson, Tom Robinson. Ushers: 8:15 - Julia Reeder, chair, Bruce Broadbelt, Laura Broadbelt, Cary Eaton, Steve Cadwallader, Gwinn Moss; 9:30 - Blair Schrum, chair, Ned Mangum, Robin Mangum, Beth Morse, Michael Morse, John O’Neal; 11:00 - Blair Schrum, chair, Kerri McMillen, Rob McMillen, Garrison Miller, Kelly Miller, Barry Millward. Service Assistants: 8:15 - Harrison Sutter; 9:30 - Caroline Grace Barnhill; 11:00 - Jennings Glenn. Treasurer’s Assistants: Delana Anderson, Eric Miller. Shuttle Drivers: Louis Case. Celtic Worship Service Join us for a Celtic Worship Service on Wednesday, April 18, in the chapel at 7:30 p.m. There will be music, scripture and time for reflection. Also, all are invited to the discussion of the book Christ of the Celts by J. Philip Newell at 6:30 p.m. in C301. We will discuss Chapters 6, 7 and 8 and the postlude. Contact Gloria Johnson at 919-834-3425, ext. 207, with questions. VBS Youth Helpers Middle and high school youth, join us June 18-22 for a fun week of growing in faith with our younger church while earning community service hours! Most youth helpers are needed from 8:45 a.m. to noon, with some needed at 8:30 a.m. for Early Arrival and for the nursery. Please sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48A5AD2AAB9-2018. If you have questions, contact Ashley Silverman at
[email protected]. Snacks for VBS Helpers Our VBS adults and youth appreciate having their bodies and spirits fed with snacks provided by our church family! Please sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/9040445adae2da13-adult. Contact Anna Bazemore at
[email protected] if you have questions.
“A New Day” “A Mystery Revealed” by James FisselReprinted by permission from Eyekons © 2008 James Fissel | Eyekons
The banner hanging in the chancel is titled “We are an Easter People” and was given in memory of Peter C. Carruthers (Associate Pastor 1987-96) in recognition of his ministry by WMPC Presbyterian Women.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK Sunday, April 15 (1 John 3:1-7; Acts 1:6-11) Worship (8:15, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary; 11:00 a.m. - OnPoint@1704, Pickard) 9:30 a.m. - OnPoint House Band (Pickard); 3’s Bible Day (Geneva) noon - Annual Meeting (Sanctuary) 12:15 p.m. - 2018 High School Montreat Youth Conference Info Session (K100) 3:00 p.m. - 2018 Confirmation Class Meets with Session (K100) 3:30 p.m. - If Not at Home, Where Then? (C200) 4:00 p.m. - Youth Choir (S300) 4:30 p.m. - Cancer Companions Support Grp. (C203); Confirmation Sunday Rehearsal (Sanct.) 5:00 p.m. - Middle/High School PYC (C100-103/K100) 6:30 p.m. - Diaconate Meeting (K200) Monday, April 16 (Ps. 97; Ex. 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Matt. 1:1-17, 3:1-6) 9:15 a.m. - Toddler Open Gym & Worship (Pickard) 9:30 a.m. - Russia Sewing Group (C200) 5:30 p.m. - T’ai Chi for Exercise (Pickard) 6:00 p.m. - Men’s Bible Study (Geneva) 6:45 p.m. - Ross Bible Study (C203) 7:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100); Handbell Choir (S300); Stephen Min. Training (K302); Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed./Supervision (K200) 7:10 p.m. - Jim Gale Bible Study (K100) 8:00 p.m. - Adult Basketball (Pickard) Tuesday, April 17 (Ps. 98; Ex. 19:1-16; Col. 1:1-14; Matt. 3:7-12) 7:00 a.m. - Men’s/Women’s Breakfast Bible Study (Geneva/K100) 8:30 a.m. - Yoga for Exercise (C100) 9:30 a.m. - Fit after Fifty (Pickard); God Talk (W400) 10:30 a.m. - Tues. A. M. Bible Study (C301) 3:00 p.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel) 6:00 p.m. - StepUp Life Skills Program/Dinner (Geneva); Centering Prayer (W400); Youth Ministries Committee (K200); Haiti Committee (C204) 6:30 p.m. - Boy Scout Troop 395 Patrol Leaders (K307) 7:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir (S300) 7:30 p.m. - Boy Scout Troop 395 (Pickard) Wednesday, April 18 (Ps. 99; Ex. 19:16-25; Col. 1:15-23; Matt. 3:13-17) 8:00 a.m. - Clothing Closet (W100) 9:30 a.m. - Bible Belles (Off Site) 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga (C200) 12:30 p.m. - APNC Meeting (W400) 4:30 p.m. - Carol Choir (L304); Cherub Choir (L311); Joyful Noise Choir (S300) 5:00 p.m. - Wednesdays Together Dinner (Pickard) 5:30 p.m. - Widows of White Memorial (Geneva) 6:00 p.m. - Russia Committee Putin Country Book Read (K302) 6:15 p.m. - Youth Band (K100) 6:30 p.m. - Disciple 1 (K307); Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation (C301) 6:45 p.m. - OnPoint House Band (K100) 7:00 p.m. - Young Adult Bible Study (C102); Adult Faith Formation Committee (C302); 7:30 p.m. - Celtic Worship Service (Chapel) 8:00 p.m. - Al-Anon (C100) Thursday, April 19 (Ps. 47; Ex. 20:1-21; Col. 1:24-2:7; Matt. 4:1-11) 8:00 a.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel) 8:30 a.m. - Cancer Companions Leaders (K200) 9:30 a.m. - Thurs. A.M. Bible Study (W400); T’ai Chi for Exercise (C200); Lilies of the Field Bible Study (C301) 6:00 p.m. - Concert Series Comm. (C203); Keenagers Field Trip (Off Site) 7:30 p.m. - Sanctuary Choir (S300); Webelo Scouts (K304-307 Friday, April 20 (Ps. 96; Ex. 24:1-18; Col. 2:8-23; Matt. 4:12-17) 9:30 a.m. - Fit After Fifty (Pickard) noon - Haiti Outreach Ministries Board Retreat (W400) 6:00 p.m. - Haiti Outreach Ministry Dinner (Geneva) 8:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100) Saturday, April 21 (Ps. 92; Ex. 25:1-22; Col. 3:1-17; Matt. 4:18-25) 8:00 a.m. - Haiti Outreach Missions Board Retreat (W400) 8:30 a.m. - Sunday School Setup (Classrooms) 9:00 p.m. - Stephen Ministry Closing Retreat (C200)
1704 Oberlin Rd. Raleigh, NC 27608 p. 919.834.3424 whitememorial.org
